ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has exempted digitally imported goods and services from a 5% tax, following an agreement with the United States aimed at fostering trade relations and attracting foreign digital businesses.
Technology
US slashes Pakistan’s tariff to 19 percent in Trump trade shake-up
KARACHI: Pakistan has emerged as a rare winner in President Donald Trump’s sweeping overhaul of US trade policy, securing a tariff reduction from 29% to 19% on Friday, the lowest rate for any South Asian country after Afghanistan.
Cabinet approves Haj 2026 policy, AI framework and green building code; PM caps sugar price
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Wednesday rolled out a trio of transformative policies, approving the Haj Policy for 2026, the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, and the Green Building Code of Pakistan.
Aurangzeb touts investment as ‘game-changer’ for Pakistan-US economic ties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has hailed investment as a potential “game-changer” for economic relations with the United States, signaling a strategic pivot beyond immediate trade concerns as the two nations push to finalise a critical tariff agreement.
Pakistan’s IT exports surge to $338 million in June, FY25 sees 18 percent growth
KARACHI: Pakistan’s IT exports jumped 14% year-over-year to $338 million in June 2025, capping off a fiscal year that saw an 18% increase in exports to $3.8 billion, driven by expanded global client bases, regulatory relaxations, and currency stability.
Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan sign pact for major regional railway project
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan signed a framework agreement on Thursday to conduct a joint feasibility study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project, a transformative initiative to link Central Asia to Pakistani seaports via Afghanistan, boosting regional trade and connectivity.
Pakistan to sell PIA assets by year-end as privatization enters final stretch
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is accelerating plans to sell the operational assets of its struggling national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines Co. (PIA), targeting completion by the last quarter of 2025, a parliamentary panel was told on Monday.
Lucky Cement denies binding PIA deal as Pakistan advances privatization
KARACHI: Lucky Cement Ltd., one of Pakistan’s largest conglomerates, said it has made no binding commitment to acquire Pakistan International Airlines Corp. (PIACL), despite being shortlisted with a consortium to conduct due diligence for a 51% to 100% stake in the debt-laden carrier.
Pakistan’s central bank to launch digital currency pilot, finalises crypto rules
KARACHI: Pakistan’s central bank is preparing to launch a pilot for a digital currency and is finalising legislation to regulate virtual assets, as the government accelerates efforts to modernise the country’s financial system amid a global wave of interest in blockchain-based payments.
Pakistan launches virtual assets regulator to boost digital economy
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally established the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to oversee its rapidly expanding digital assets sector, a move aimed at aligning the country’s regulatory framework with international standards and attracting foreign investment.